Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous After a stupendous table reading just before the shoot, in which the actor blew everyone, including co-stars Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore, away, Lansing was summoned to see the star. Stephen Galloway, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2025 The Oracle guidance on the next several years of stupendous AI data center growth is worthy of all the analysts’ superlatives and surely pushes out the day of reckoning that will come with peak capex demand. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025 Kayla McBride had 18 points on the strength of four triples, while Courtney Williams had 14 points, seven assists and five boards and Alanna Smith finished with eight points, nine rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks while quarterbacking another stupendous defensive effort. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2025 In addition to stupendous views of the eclipse, guests can expect to enjoy fascinating culture, history, food and wine, along with insightful programming on eclipses and cosmic wonders curated by distinguished lecturer Dr. Alex Filippenko, professor of astronomy at UC Berkeley. Cassidy Randall, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • The Christos honored their promise by gifting me with a wonderful collage in addition to my one-dollar paycheck.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • That scene was so incredibly awkward… and wonderful.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Antetokounmpo delivered one of the most amazing closeout performances of all-time.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
  • And the reach of Prime Video, especially globally, is really, really amazing.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Every few minutes the jungle deposited us onto an astonishing beach.
    David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The astonishing result, achieved by the CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) collaboration, represents the first-ever observation of single top quark production with W and Z bosons, a process known as tWZ production.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Some miraculous news, unexpected news.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Blüemlisalphütte, its red and white shutters glinting in the miraculous sudden sunlight.
    Lucy Kehoe, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Olivera will make a marvelous Gatsby.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Director Mike Nichols’s farewell note to the ‘60s, and America’s innocence, The Graduate is as profound and, at the same time, simply marvelous.
    John Ortved, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Rami Malek has incredible range and a more nuanced film charting his descent into a pariah and Cassandra figure deserved so much more.
    NPR, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There was a top 10 team that lost, but BYU was a 10-point underdog at Texas Tech, so the Red Raiders’ convincing win wasn’t technically all that surprising.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Instead, my friend and I were greeted by a mostly calm experience, which was surprising for a Friday night in South End.
    Evan Moore November 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Republican finger-pointing has begun in the wake of Democrats’ stunning success in Tuesday night’s elections.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Last summer, following Mamdani’s stunning primary victory, many friends and colleagues were anxious that this Democratic candidate was too liberal, too anti-business, too inexperienced for the global stage, and simply too young.
    Sally Susman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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